Iranians hold annual anti-Israel rallies to mark al-Quds day

TEHRAN, Iran – Iranians are staging anti-Israel rallies across the country, with protesters condemning the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and chanting "death to Israel."

Tens of thousands of people are marching in the capital, Tehran, as part of the al-Quds day rallies held each year on the last Friday of Ramadan. Some protesters trampled the Israeli flag and also chanted "down with the USA."

Iranian state media reports that similar rallies are taking place across the country.

Iran does not recognize Israel and has marked al-Quds day since the start of its 1979 Islamic revolution. Al-Quds is a historic Arabic name for Jerusalem, and Iran says the day is an occasion to express support for the Palestinians and emphasize the importance of Jerusalem for Muslims.